Paul Mescal is set to add another string to his talented bow –showcasing his dance moves in a new short film called Lockdown.
The Normal People star has already flexed his singing skills this summer, with duets with Dermot Kennedy, and his sister Nell, to name a few.
He is now set to unveil a whole new side to his artistic CV in this new flick, which features the Kildare native performing a unique dance routine inspired by the events of 2020.
The 24-year-old said: “This project took me totally out of my comfort zone as I am not a dancer. Movement is something I loved doing at drama school and something that I’ve missed doing since entering the industry.”
The release of the film marks the launch of a new campaign that aims to support performers in the arts who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
The Maynooth man, who has enjoyed a whirlwind year like no other of stardom and fame in the midst of the pandemic, said he’s proud to get involved and lend his help to the cause.
He added: “There are thousands of performers in the arts industry that have been affected by the closures of theatres, venues and stages who have and are going through an incredibly challenging time.”
Paul, who attended The Lir Academy before catching his break this year as Connell Waldron on Normal People, performs a 90-second contemporary dance composition in the film, which sees him capture the mood of a tumultuous year.
The star, who was recently named Breakthrough Actor of the Year, choreographed the dance performance to tell the personal story of the emotions and feelings he felt during lockdown. Choreographed over an intensive three-day period in London during lockdown, Paul worked closely with movement director and former Strictly Come Dancing choreographer, Richard Marcel.
The performance takes place in an abandoned warehouse, in which Mescal searches for a new stage, following the closure of theatre-stages and venues.
The story is set to a rousing classical score and sees the actor travel through the warehouse and perform to an imaginary audience of mannequin-statues.
The film was created and shot by launch a new initiative called “Samsung Spotlight”, which aims to champion emerging creatives and provide a platform for them to showcase their skills in the wake of the pandemic.
